Ripple Mints 12 Million RLUSD Tokens Ahead of Senate Vote on GENIUS Act

Ripple has recently minted 12 million RLUSD tokens, increasing the total supply by approximately 3% just days before the U.S. Senate vote on the GENIUS Act. This legislation, which focuses on federal oversight of stablecoins, is set to be voted on and could significantly impact the regulatory landscape for digital assets like RLUSD. The minting of these tokens comes after a period of reduced supply, as Ripple had paused new issuance in April and burned approximately 4 million tokens in May.

The new batch of tokens has triggered a sharp rise in market activity, with RLUSD’s trading volume jumping nearly 30% within 24 hours of the mint, reaching $179 million. This increased interest and movement around the token suggest that Ripple is positioning RLUSD for higher demand as regulatory developments unfold. The stablecoin’s total circulating amount now stands at approximately 425.7 million tokens, with an estimated market cap of about $425 million.

RLUSD operates on both Ethereum and the XRP Ledger, with approximately 70% of the token supply on Ethereum and the rest on Ripple’s native chain. The new tokens are expected to support deeper integration across centralized exchanges, decentralized finance protocols, and payment infrastructure. RLUSD is already listed on platforms like Bitget, Gemini, and Revolut, supporting its growing utility.

The GENIUS Act, if passed, could provide a stronger regulatory foundation for stablecoins like RLUSD, potentially helping to onboard institutional users and simplify compliance for financial firms. However, if the bill fails, stablecoin projects could remain in legal uncertainty, complicating strategic decisions around growth and distribution. Ripple’s latest mint appears structured to stay ahead of these potential shifts in the U.S. regulatory environment.

Ripple’s proactive approach to preparing for potential regulatory changes and ensuring the stability and availability of its stablecoin in the market is evident in this move. The minting of 12 million RLUSD tokens is a clear indication of Ripple's confidence in the future of stablecoins and its readiness to meet the demands of the market. As the Senate prepares to vote on the GENIUS Act, Ripple's actions demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to ensuring that its stablecoin remains a reliable and compliant option for users and investors alike.